Do You Really Need a Skincare Routine? Science Says YES!

Skincare. The one thing we all know we should do but often neglect because, well, life gets in the way.

Amid the hustle and bustle, it tends to slip our minds. Admit it, you’ve forgotten to do your routine more times than you care to admit. The pursuit of beautiful skin can be a daunting task, and frankly, many of us often catch ourselves asking, do we really need to do it? The answer is a resounding yes.

There’s no denying skincare revolves around the concept of looking good but learning to care for your skin isn’t a vanity thing. At least, not exclusively. As the largest organ of the body, the skin serves as the shield between us and the potentially damaging elements of the outside world. It’s the body’s first line of defense against the environment making it fully deserving of a whole lot of TLC.

But with all the products available on the market right now, not to mention all these TikTok tips and tricks, the list of product reviews and recommendations goes on… and on… and on. So you’ve decided to start a skincare routine – great! But now the question is, where do you even begin?

There’s no one right way to do it, but you can start by getting to know your skin on a personal level. After all, everyone has different skin types, lifestyles, and preferences. Let’s start with the basics, shall we?

The Science of Skin.
It’s time to get academic for a hot minute.

The skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. The outermost layer, the epidermis, provides a protective barrier while the middle layer, the dermis, contains the tissues, blood vessels and nerves. Finally, the innermost layer, the subcutaneous layer, is composed of fat and connective tissue.

You might be wondering what the point of this mini science lesson is; it’s worth noting that understanding the skin’s layers is crucial when it comes to building your skincare routine. This is because different products target different layers and, therefore, require the right products to keep your skin happy. For instance, exfoliants are meant to remove the dead skin from the epidermis, while moisturizers are absorbed into the dermis to provide hydration and nourishment.

A Headstart on Skincare.
Getting to know your skin and how it functions helps you make more informed decisions. In fact, today’s consumers are much more thorough when it comes to determining which products would best fit their needs. Cult Beauty co-founder Alexia Inge says we’re now entering an age of ‘skintellectualism,’ where “consumers are adopting a much more investigative approach to their routines, and educating themselves about the best ingredients.”

Gone are the days of *aesthetic* and vague promises in the skincare space; today’s playing field has consumers reading through ingredient lists and making it a point to learn what each ingredient is for. From niacinamides and hyaluronic acids, to vitamin C, the beauty and skincare audience has become more discerning than ever.

Making a Skinvestment.
It’s no secret age can greatly affect our skin. Whether it’s collagen production or firmness, the changes on your skin become more pronounced as you get older. Science tells us prevention is always better than cure, so we highly recommend starting early!

One of the biggest benefits of starting a skincare routine when you’re young is it helps prevent premature aging. The skin naturally loses elasticity over time, often leading to wrinkles and saggy skin; maintaining a skincare routine can help you keep looking youthful and radiant for a little while longer.

Is it too late to start one now if you’re a little older? Definitely not! When our skin looks and feels good, we feel good. Taking care of our skin can help boost self-esteem, allowing us to feel more confident and comfortable. Let’s face it, we all want to look our best. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with aging – it’s a part of life! – but it doesn’t mean you have to look the part. *wink*

 KISS: Keep It Straightforward and Simple.
You’ve made it this far. You’re *finally* ready to skinvest. You’ve looked up the difference between the AM-PM routines, multiple types of serums, and read up on all the steps. You might be panicking… or you already are. We get it, you’re overwhelmed. It’s totally normal! Take a deep breath and repeat after us: the simpler, the better.

The first step is to determine your skin type. Is your skin dry, oily, sensitive maybe? Determining your skin type helps eliminate the products you don’t need and identify which ones you do. Next, do your research. Each skincare product has its own purpose and benefit. You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune buying everything within reach; yes, an 11-step beauty regimen sounds sensible, but is it sustainable? Dr. Kathryn Cembrano, a board-certified dermatologist, says skincare is primarily about consistency. We find that a simpler routine is always better. Quick, budget-friendly, and easier to stick to.

Start with the basics: cleanse, moisturize, protect. Here’s an overview –

Cleanser. According to New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles, washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine. Use a cleanser intended for the face and not whatever random bar of soap you find in your bathroom; it’s important to wash at least twice a day to remove any dirt your pores might have accumulated from being exposed to so many pollutants. Get started with our hello, glass skin! foam wash. It’s a light refreshing foam wash designed to brighten skin and boost collagen production.

Moisturizer. This is a product for everyone, regardless of skin type, and can be used all year-round. Several factors, including the weather, your diet, and age, can affect your skin’s hydration level – this is where moisturizers come in. They help prevent water loss by sealing in the moisture, leaving your skin smooth and supple. It’s tempting to skip this because of our hot and humid weather so opt for a lightweight one like ours— hello, glass skin! moisturizer is a light skin-soothing blend of sumptuous ingredients designed to hydrate, soothe, repair and brighten.

Sunscreen. Probably the most important part – and the least remembered. Did you know the sun’s harmful rays can still affect you, even when you’re not at the beach? That’s right, even when you’re simply driving to work or sitting by the window, you’re still exposed to ultraviolet rays! It’s not worth the risk; protect yourself before you head out and lather on the sunscreen. Try our 2-in-1 moisturizing sunscreen—hey, sunshine! sunscreen. It has SPF 50 PA+++ and nourishing ingredients to prevent and repair sun damage on skin.

The daily grind can often distract us from the things that matter, including taking care of ourselves, and that needs to change. The next time you’re tempted to skip your skincare routine, think again. Skincare is self-care.

Your skin matters, freshies! ✨